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Last Updated on February 17, 2026 by Barbara

If you want to know How to Make real Southern Collard Greens, then you are in the right place. There is nothing more comforting than the smell of a pot of collard greens simmering to perfection. Whether you cook stovetop or crockpot collard greens, this recipe will leave you satisfied.

Slow Cooking Collard Greens is an easy way to make this classic soul food staple. Slow cooking allows the flavor of the tender collard greens, smoked ham hocks and other ingredients to meld perfectly. Follow along with me as I show you how easy it is make a great tasting pot of greens.

Want more Soul Food Recipes? Start here: 28 Authentic Soul Food Recipes.

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Table of Contents

What is a Ham Hock?

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a fresh batch of collard greens starts to wilt down in the pot. While the greens themselves are the star, any Southern cook will tell you that the true soul of the dish lies in the smoky, savory foundation you build at the start. Whether it’s bacon, smoked turkey, or ham hocks, the choice of meat is what transforms a simple vegetable into a Soul Food side dish.

For this particular pot, I leaned into tradition and went with smoked ham hocks. If you aren’t familiar with them, these are simply the pig’s knuckles, and they have been a secret weapon in Southern kitchens for many generations. They aren’t just there for the meat; they are there to release their richness into the broth as they simmer. That slowly released smokiness infuses every leaf of the greens, creating an experience that you just can’t replicate with salt alone. It’s the same technique I use to bring life to my beans and stews, and once you taste that authentic flavor, you’ll understand why this recipe is a staple in my home.

Ingredients for Collard Greens

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Collard Greens

Collard Greens: Collard greens are hearty and have a slightly bitter in taste. Make sure to thoroughly clean them before use.
Ham Hocks: Smoked ham hocks add a smoky flavor and depth to the dish, as well as a smoky, meaty texture.
Chicken Stock: Chicken Stock adds richness and depth to the broth.
Water: Water is used to dilute the chicken stock slightly to balance the intensity of the flavors.
Butter: Butter is used to saute the onion and garlic.
Onion: Onion adds an aromatic depth and sweetness that helps to balance the bitterness of the greens.
Garlic: Another aromatic that complements the other ingredients and enhances the overall taste.
White Vinegar: White Vinegar adds acidity to brighten and balance the flavors.
Red Pepper Flakes: The Red Pepper Flakes add heat to give a slight kick to the collard greens.
Black Pepper: Black Pepper adds a familiar earthy spice complementing the dish.
Salt: The Salt enhances the natural flavors of all the ingredients and brings the dish together.

Substitutions

This recipe can easily be used for all greens. You can add or substitute with mustard greens, kale or turnip greens. All of these greens are delicious and unique in their own way. If you don’t want to use chicken broth, it can be swapped out for vegetable broth. And if you don’t have white vinegar, apple cider vinegar will do just fine.

What You Will Need

Watch Me Make Slow Cooker Collard Greens (Video Tutorial)

Instructions for Slow Cooker Collard Greens

Step 1: Browning the Onion and Garlic

In preparation, remove the stems and make certain you rinse your greens and they are free of any debris.

Turn your cooker to the “Brown” setting and add the butter. If your slow cooker does not have a browning feature you can do this step in a skillet. Add the onion and garlic and saute for 3 minutes or until your onion is just translucent.

Step 2: Cooking the Collard Greens

Change the slow cooker setting to high.

Add the ham hocks and half of your collard greens. Season with the red pepper flakes, black pepper and salt. Add the chicken broth and water then cover and allow them to cook until your greens begin to shrink.

Add the remaining collard greens and allow your greens to cook for 3 and a half hours or until your greens have reached your desired tenderness.

Step 3: Finishing the Collard Greens

After 3 and a half hours, pour in the vinegar and mix well.

What to Serve With Collard Greens and Ham Hocks

Collard Greens and Ham Hocks pair well with many other soul food staples such as Mac & Cheese, Black eyed peas, Fried Chicken, Smothered Chicken, Pork Chops or Smothered Turkey Wings just to name a few. All of these are enhanced by the rich hearty flavor of collard greens. Add a hearty slice of hot cornbread to round off this soul food plate. Cornbread is the ultimate way to enjoy that delicious pot likker that is as tasty as the collards.

What to Do With Leftovers Collard Greens and Ham Hocks

Leftover collard greens can be stored in the refrigerator forup to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container and consume them within this timeframe. Be mindful that after 3 days your collard greens should be discarded.

To freeze collard greens, again place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 6 months .

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